Gift of Life Adoptions > Older Child Adoption

Older Child Adoption

Every Child Deserves Stability and Love — See How You Can Make a Lasting Difference

Raising a child with very few resources or very little support is not easy, but occasionally that is where a mother or father may find themselves. There is no shame in that. Life is hard sometimes. You may start thinking that the life your child is living, is not the life that you want for them. You may start wondering if your child would have a better chance at being successful in life if they had more opportunities than you could offer them. These thoughts are not selfish nor do they mean that you don’t love your child enough. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is your unconditional love for you child that is driving your desire for them to have more and is selfless.

Making the decision to place your child for adoption, is never an easy decision. When considering placing a child for adoption who is now a toddler, a sibling group or even an older child, there are many things to consider. How will this decision affect my child/children? Will he or she think that I didn’t love them? How will I know if they are happy or if they are going to be okay?

Gift of Life Adoptions is here to help you talk through your choices. We will do our best to find resources for you and your child. Whether that be helping you to continue to parent your child or finding a wonderful adoptive family who is hoping and praying for a child to love. You can pick the family you want. You can meet them and be involved in the transition as well as receive picture and letter updates until your child is 18 years old. Transitioning a child into a new family is a delicate process that Gift of Life Adoptions has been very successful at over the past 20 years.

Older Child Adoption Facts

The decision to place your child for adoption is a choice that only you can make. However, Gift of Life is here to help you navigate all the questions you may have.

Below is a list of common questions we’re often asked about placing an older child for adoption. You are always more than welcome to contact us 24/7 to gather as much information as you need to feel comfortable with your decision.

Yes, Gift of Life Adoption is able to provide counseling to you before, during, and after you place your child for adoption. This tool is a great help in your decision making process. This service is offered free of charge to you, and can be utilized as often as needed.

Absolutely! You can decide whether or not you would like to meet the family. Many times, Gift of Life Adoptions facilitates a lunch or dinner. This is a great opportunity for everyone to sit down and really get to know each other. These meetings typically last about 2 hours and are held at a location where you feel the most comfortable.

Yes! Gift of Life Adoptions can help place your children with the same family so they can remain together and tailor your adoption plan to what you want. Please do not hesitate to call us with multiple children in your home.

Yes, your assigned case manager will be with you during your meetings with the adoptive family. Your case manager will help guide the conversation between all parties and is there to provide support for you. Of course, you are always welcome to bring a family member or friend. This is a very special time for you, and to have a little extra support is always great!

You can decide what would work best for you in regards to seeing your child after an adoption. All of our families provide picture and letter updates of the child up until the child’s 18th birthday. If you are looking for a more open adoption plan, including visits, you can discuss this option with your case manager. Gift of Life will always work to find a family that will meet your needs.

No, the birth family has no financial burden concerning the adoption plan.

The father of your child does not necessarily need to be involved in your adoption plan, however, you will need to provide Gift of Life with as much information about the birth father as you can. This is to ensure that your adoption plan is valid, and the child can be legally placed with the adoptive family. Feel free to call our office to speak to one of experienced staff members about the birth father’s involvement in your adoption plan.

Your adoption plan can go as slowly or as quickly as you would like it to. Gift of Life Adoption is here to help you through the process at your pace.

Your child will be placed with the adoptive family after the Consent for Adoptionis signed. During your adoption plan, Gift of Life develops a transition plan for your child.  The transition plan allows your child to meet the adoptive family to ensure that they feel comfortable and ready to go live in their new forever home.

Transition plans typically start with showing your child the adoptive family’s profile book or photo album. Then next step is a meeting with the adoptive family that will likely take place in a child friendly environment like a playground or a park.

Every transition plan is different and tailored to you and your child’s specific needs.  It’s always best for your child to see encouragement from you. An adoption plan is a life-altering event, so we always encourage all parties to be a supportive member of the transition, letting the child know that everything is alright.

Absolutely. We encourage our birth families to provide some sort of comforting item for their child to take with them to their new home. This can be a blanket, a special shirt, or even a particular teddy bear. Whatever you feel your child would want or need in their new home, you are welcome to send with them. Our goal is to make the change of homes go as smoothly as possible for the child, and providing them with a familiar item is a great start.

When you meet with your case manager they will ask you a number of things about your child. This is to help the adoptive family learn about your child’s routine, likes, and dislikes. Your case manager will ask questions about: bedtime routine, food preferences, potty training, particular fears, and even their favorite book or tv show.

These details will help your child during the transition, as well as aid the adoptive family in preparing for their homecoming.

We hope this helps answer some of the questions you have about older child adoption. Of course, Gift of Life Adoptions understands that this may not cover all of your concerns, and our staff is always happy to talk with you. We want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Considering Adoption? We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re thinking about placing a child for adoption or hoping to grow your family, we’re here to support you with honesty, compassion, and personalized guidance. No pressure. No judgment. Just real people ready to help you explore your options and take the next step when you’re ready.